And so far do the Quakers carry
their condescension on these occasions, that if a few ancient and
respectable individuals seem to be dissatisfied with any measure that
may have been proposed, though otherwise respectably supported, the
measure is frequently postponed, out of tenderness to the feelings of
such members, and from a desire of gaining them in time by forbearance.
But, in whatever way the question before them is settled, no division is
ever called for. No counting of numbers is allowed. No protest is
suffered to be entered. In such a case there can be no ostensible leader
of any party; no ostensible minority or majority. The Quakers are of
opinion that such things, if allowed, would be inconsistent with their
profession. They would lead also to broils and divisions, and ultimately
to the detriment of the society. Every measure therefore is settled by
the Quakers at this meeting in the way I have mentioned, in brotherly
love, and as the name of the society signifies, as Friends.
The other remarkable circumstance is, that there is no ostensible
president or [30] head of this great assembly, nor any ostensible
president or head of any one of its committees; and yet the business of
the society is conducted in as orderly a manner, as it is possible to be
among any body of men, where the number is so great, and where every
individual has a right to speak.
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